ANCHORAGE, Alaska (CNN) - Alaska's Personnel Board concluded Monday that Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin did not violate ethics law by trying to get her ex-brother-in-law fired from the state police, contradicting an earlier investigation's findings.

"There is no probable cause to believe that the governor, or any other state official, violated the Alaska Executive Ethics Act in connection with these matters," Timothy Petumenos, the Anchorage lawyer hired to conduct the probe, wrote in his final report.

The announcement comes a day before Palin and Republican presidential nominee John McCain face voters in Tuesday's presidential election. Allegations that she fired Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan because he refused to sack her ex-brother-in-law from the state police force have dogged her since before she became McCain's running mate in August.

An earlier probe launched by the state Legislature concluded that Palin unlawfully abused her power by trying to get her sister's ex-husband fired from the state police force. That inquiry concluded that her firing of Monegan stemmed in part from his refusal to get rid of her former relative, but was within her authority as governor.

soundoff(141 Responses)

Reed

Where's her medical records... everyone has turned them in except Sarah....maybe ABORTION?

November 3, 2008 09:36 pm at 9:36 pm |

rick,collingdale,pa

Well let's see... Cindy ran around with the then married John McCain.
Sarah Palin was pregnant when she married her huband, their teenage daughter is pregnant and not married.
Real family values these Republicans.

November 3, 2008 09:37 pm at 9:37 pm |

Lilarose in Bandon, Oregon

Riiiiiiiight!

Sarah wanted the Personnel Board to adjudge her because she knew they would be on her side.

I would like to lead a pack of red-blooded American pigs in lipstick to chase Sarah back to Alaska!

November 3, 2008 09:37 pm at 9:37 pm |

Bruce

What a shock that her own board found her innocent. They probably found her well educated in international affairs and a snappy dresser. After all, she did get that phone call from France.

She is a hate-monger. She rouses crowds by encouraging their hatred and prejudices. Hitler worked the same angle.

November 3, 2008 09:42 pm at 9:42 pm |

Sally from Cali

McCain does not wear a flag pin (watch the debates). Is this a double standard? Obama has to be ultra patriotic. You Republicans are a joke. Country First, right. What till the rest of you look up in the encyclopedia what secessionist means. Then the joke will be on you. Your VP's husband wants Alaska to be it's own country not a united state. LOL

November 3, 2008 09:45 pm at 9:45 pm |

Texas Teacher

AMEN! *LOL*

November 3, 2008 09:45 pm at 9:45 pm |

bill

It is amazing what results you get when you get to investigate yourself. Nixon and Ted Stevens should have investigated themselves, instead of allowing another branch of government

November 3, 2008 09:49 pm at 9:49 pm |

Andrew

So if everyone is calling this a shame, what the fact Obama had an aunt living in the country for four years after being told to go home, living in public housing, and gave money to his presidential bid. Did her return the money and how much of that $650M came from people like that/ I hope some looks into this.

November 3, 2008 09:49 pm at 9:49 pm |

Irene, TX

It's scary to think. She is above the law. Sad day for Alaskan.

November 3, 2008 09:50 pm at 9:50 pm |

Ann,

So for democrat Obama supporters, by the comments above it is clearly obvious the only ruling you will believe is the partisan democratic one that found her guilty. How nice to be able to pick and choose which investigations you will believe or not. So it appears the only good outcome is the one you want to hear whether honorable or not. Is that what we can expect from Obama if elected – he'll decide which laws or rules he will follow depending on whether he agrees with them or not? Sounds like Bush Lite to me.

November 3, 2008 09:52 pm at 9:52 pm |

shelia

What a surprise!!!!!! Wow Duh...she needed people on her side for this one.[Partisan Board].People in Alaska are above the law ..Ted Stevens "I will appeal my convictions" so sad!!!!

Obama/Biden2008...Yes we can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 3, 2008 09:52 pm at 9:52 pm |

Joe

Did we really expect anything else? Nice timing too.

November 3, 2008 09:54 pm at 9:54 pm |

Eric

Sally From Cali...

Thank you at least someone else see this besides me. You're right it is a double standard.

obama / biden 08 / 12

November 3, 2008 09:55 pm at 9:55 pm |

joe

Take it America-Barack HUSSEIN Obama is the president-only thing is the worlds most powerful job shouldn't have gone to a person without a track record or experience.obama is a mystery.unproven,untested.look what we got by electing an untested bush.not again!but too late.lucky guy.he overcame everything .rev wright, ayers, rezko,khalidi, bitter comments, typical comments and he made his wife proud for the second time in her adult life.

November 3, 2008 09:58 pm at 9:58 pm |

Chipster

Found innocent by her staff – gee, that's meaningful.

November 3, 2008 10:07 pm at 10:07 pm |

rer2174

If Obama wins, Palin may become a candidate in 2012. The difference this time is that she won't just be appointed after a fifteen minute vetting. She will need to debate on an ongoing basis against some of the smartest people in this country. No more Hannity and O'Reilly.

November 3, 2008 10:13 pm at 10:13 pm |

NickNas

WOW suprise!!! The Investigation that SHE controls finds her INNOCENT the day before the election LOLOLOL

Are these people for REAL??

November 3, 2008 10:14 pm at 10:14 pm |

Hilary

The day before the election.....how surprising.

November 3, 2008 10:17 pm at 10:17 pm |

Independent white female patriotic voter

Great! that means she can go back to Alaska and continue her work. I think she does much better there, far enough from Washington.

November 3, 2008 10:21 pm at 10:21 pm |

Palin/WRONG WOMAN

How much did that cost???

November 3, 2008 10:30 pm at 10:30 pm |

Palin what books do you read? Gosh dang it, another gotcha question.

Can't wait for Obama nation to swat this reject back to Alaska now and in 2012.

November 3, 2008 10:30 pm at 10:30 pm |

joanne

I voted 2wks ago andI feel it's important to vote. I am a single mother of 5 girls. I pray for their future and the future of the usa.... We need someone we know and can trust. Vote John McCain , he'll take care of our families.

November 3, 2008 10:32 pm at 10:32 pm |

Roger from CA

Gee! What a shock that her hand-picked personnel board issues a report clearing her the night before the election!

Truly impressive, that a board that serves at HER pleasure would clear her of charges. Nice putting no one above the Law!

November 3, 2008 10:42 pm at 10:42 pm |

Chela

I'm sick of our country being run by jerks who think they're above the law. Go back to Alaska and suck on an iceberg, lady!

November 3, 2008 10:43 pm at 10:43 pm |

Jim

Gee, exonerated by political appointees that are subject to reappointment by Palin.